Modernization Theory

Meaning of Modernization

Modernization is understood as a process which indicates the adaptation of the
modern ways of life and values. The term modernization symbolizes process of change in the economy. It is transformation of agricultural to industrial economy, changes in values, beliefs and norms of society. Modernization indicates change in people's food habits, dress habits, speaking styles, taste choices, preferences, ideas, values, recreational facilities and so on. As a result social changes involving the elements of science and technology.

Defining Modernization

Daniel Learner who introduced the term " Modernization " for the first term in his study of the middle eastern societies- usues it to refer to the changes brought about in non-western country by contract, direct or indirect with a Western country.
Daniel Learner, " Modernization is the current term for an old process of social change whereby less developed societies acquire the characteristics common to more developed societies."
Smelser, " Modernization refers to a complex set of changes that takes place almost in every part of society as it attempts to be industrialized. Modernization involves ongoing changes in a society's economy, politics, education, traditions and religion."

Process of Modernization

(a) Globalization and mass consumption

Globalization is the process of interaction and integration among people, companies and government worldwide. It is argued that globalization is related to the spreading of modernization across borders. The expansion of global markets liberalize the economic activities of the exchange of goods and funds. Communication is another major area that has grown due to modernization. Communication industries have enabled modernization to spread throughout the world.

(b) Democratization and Modernization

The relationship between modernization and democracy is one of the most researched studies in comparative politics. Relatively greater measures of public participation in the policy. There is academic debate over the drivers of democracy because there are theories that support economic growth as both a cause and effect of the institution of democracy.

(c) Technology and Modernization

Since modernization entails the social transformation from Agrarian society to industrial one, it is important to look at the technological view point. The process of modernization begins with industrialization of economy and adopting a scientific technology in industy, agriculture, dairy farming to make them highly productive. Technology makes innovated society and broad social change. For example; cell phone have change millons of lives in Africa and other parts of Asia where there is a low cost communication infrastructure, with cell phone technology, widely dispersed population are connected, which facilities business-business communication and provides internet access to remote areas with a rise in literacy .

(d) Secularization of Ideas

Modernization leads to secularization of ideas. Diffusion of secular ideas removes the dogmas, superstitions and other forms of social, religions and cultural ill practices. It establishes the rationality and norms in cultural and social practices.

(e) Help from Western countries

Western investment in factories, expertise and equipment. Western funding to introduce meritocratic education. Mass media to disseminate modern ideas. Example; nuclear families.

Characteristics of Modernization

(1) The countries that are seen as modern are also seen as developed which means that they are generally more respected by institutions such as UN and even as possible trade partner for other trade countries.
(2) Increase in standard of living.
(3) High expectancy of life at birth.
(4) Improve structural differentiation.
(5) High production and Manufacturer.
(6) Greater measure of public participation.

Criticisms of Modernization

(1) It assumes unlimited natural resources for industrial expansion.
(2) Erosion of indigenous socio-cultural values.
(3) Loss of indigenous knowledge and skills .
(4) Can lead to dependency.
(5) Not guarantee that it will solve the problem of under development and poverty.
(6) It is Americanization, Westernization and Europeanization = new form of colonization.